Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Your Pants
RESPONSIBLE WARDROBING
Admit it. You’re putting your old clothes in the trash.
I know you are because the numbers don’t lie.* And because…well, I’ve done it too…
THE DIRT ON TEXTILES**
In 2015 alone, 10.5 million tons of textiles were put in landfills across the US.
In 1960 this number was 1.7 million tons.
Textiles are over 6% of the trash in our landfills.
Of all the textiles discarded in 2015, only 15% were recycled.
*Usually.
**All data is from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
DON’T KEEP PANTS YOU DON’T WEAR
You’d think this is obvious, but we all know it isn’t.
Letting go of things you own is not something that comes naturally to any of us (all kids scream “MINE!”).
You’re smart so you only buy what you love and only wear what you love (reduce…). And you know that if you take care of your pants, they’ll take care of you (reduce…!).
But you also know that the good times you have in any pants you wear on a regular basis will come to an end.
So when you can’t get that last mustard or coffee stain off, or your hems are unraveling from dragging on the floor, you know that they’re no longer flattering and no longer fit your style.
It’s time to let go.
RAGS TO RICHES
Saying goodbye to your old pants doesn’t mean leaving them in a bag in your closet (or trunk of the car) and it definitely doesn’t mean throwing them in the trash!
If you have one creative bone in your body, old clothes are just new toys:
Cut off your dragging hems and make shorter pants or shorts.
Make a belt for paper bag pants, a vest, a bow tie, a headband or scarf, or even a bag.
Cloth napkins.
Crafts and quilts and costumes.
YOU TOO CAN UPCYCLE
Even if you’re not feeling so creative, you’ve still got options:
Give them to a friend who is creative.
Make your old trousers be your new work pants for dirty jobs like gardening or whatever other messes you manage.
Replace paper towels with your own personalized rags!
YOUR PANTS ARE MY STUFFING
If there is nothing else your old pants can do, it’s time you got them recycled to do something new.
It’s a lot easier to find facilities that recycle textiles now, companies are looking for anything to repurpose. Your textiles could turn into pillow stuffing, automobile upholstery, new fabrics, and even playgrounds.
H&M takes all textiles, regardless of condition, at all their stores around the world and Nike, Patagonia, and North Face have programs as well.
If you live in NYC, there’s a service that will come right to your door to pick up your old clothes.
The rest of you can use this map to find your closest recycler.
SECOND TIME AROUND
If you’re not wearing your pants because you no longer like the style, you’ve changed sizes, or have too many, then set them free!
We all know about Goodwill, but next time you donate look for other organizations that support your local community, like those that help refugees and immigrants. Remember that the clothes all need to be in good condition. No one wants to sort through your trash.
Try Poshmark and Facebook if you need a little cash, or consignment shops and stores like Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor that will pay cash upfront.
A good old fashion garage sale can be fun, but even better, try a clothing swap or let your friends shop your closet!
I love it when my friends wear the clothes they got from me. It’s like seeing an old friend settled in a good home and knowing everyone’s happy.
Clothes belong on people, not in landfills.
